When you're living in a new country, every dollar (or should we say, every US dollar) counts. That’s why setting up spending alerts on your bank account can be a total game-changer. These alerts help you stay in control of your money, whether you're budgeting for groceries, avoiding fraud, or just keeping track of how much you’ve spent this week.

In this article, we’ll explain how these alerts work, why they’re helpful (especially if you’re new to managing finances in the US), and how to set them up in just a few taps.

What are spending alerts and how do they work?

Spending alerts are real-time notifications you get whenever there’s activity on your card. Think of them like quick updates that keep you in the loop every time money moves into or out of your account.

You can usually set alerts for things like:

• When a transaction goes over a certain amount
• When a foreign or online purchase is made
• When your card is used without being present (like online shopping)
• Or even when your balance gets too low

These alerts show up as a text message, email, or even a push notification, depending on what you choose.

Why are spending alerts useful for international students and workers?

Moving to a new country comes with many changes, and money management is a big one. Spending alerts can make it easier to adjust, stay on top of your finances, and avoid surprises.

Here’s why they’re extra helpful if you’re new to the US:

You Stay in Control, Even With a New Currency

It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending when you're converting from your home currency. Alerts give you instant updates so you’re always aware.

They Help Build Smart Money Habits

Getting alerts when you make a purchase keeps you mindful of where your money is going, and that’s a great habit to start early. Plus, it’s free to use, so that’s always a good thing when making smart money habits.

You Won’t Miss a Payment or Overspend by Accident

If you’re on a student budget or limited income, alerts can help prevent you from going over your balance or missing important payments.

You’ll Spot Fraud Quickly

If someone tries to use your card without permission, you’ll know right away, and you can take action fast.

For many international students and workers, this is the first time managing finances solo in a new system. Spending alerts give you that extra peace of mind, knowing nothing will slip past you.

Benefits of turning on spending alerts

In most cases, setting up account alerts on your bank account is free to do, and are already built into the dashboard or online banking app. 

If you feel like you're getting too many account alerts, you can log in anytime to adjust the threshold at which you receive an alert or choose to disable a specific alert. Here’s what you get when alerts are turned on:

Catch Fraud Transactions Early

If someone uses your card without permission, you'll know instantly. That gives you a chance to report it and freeze your card before more damage is done.

Stay on Budget

Alerts help you see your spending in real-time, so you don’t have to wait until the end of the month to realize you went over.

Track Subscriptions and Recurring Charges

Whether it’s Netflix or a gym membership, alerts help you remember what’s being charged to your card, especially those “free trials” you meant to cancel.

Avoid Overdrafts or Low Balances

Some alerts can warn you when your balance is low, helping you avoid declined payments or extra fees.

Peace of Mind

It feels good knowing you’re in control of your spending, and that’s even when you’re juggling school, work, or adjusting to life in a new country.

What happens if you don’t use spending alerts?

Not turning on spending alerts won’t break your account, but it might cost you more than you expect.

Without alerts, you could:

• Miss Signs of Fraud

If someone uses your card and you don’t check your account often, you might not notice the charge until it’s too late.

• Go Over Your Budget

It’s easy to swipe or tap and lose track of how much you’ve spent. Without alerts, small purchases can quietly add up.

• Forget About Subscriptions

Monthly services or free trials can sneak up on you. If you’re not getting reminders, you might pay for things you don’t even use.

• Overdraft or Decline Payments

If your balance gets low and you don’t know it, you could end up with declined payments or overdraft fees.

Not only do spending alerts simply notify you, but they also protect you. And the truth is, not using them means you’re flying blind with your money. Why take that risk when it only takes a minute to turn them on?

Here’s another tip: If you're transferring money from your home country to your US bank account, keep in mind that international wire transfers can take a few days before the money arrives in your account. 

If you're setting up a low balance alert on your bank account, try to choose a low balance that gives you enough financial cushion so you have time to top up your account balance. In other words, don't set your low balance alert at $0 or $5, because by the time you hit that point, it might be too late. 

A good threshold is something that allows you to spend comfortably while you're waiting for a wire transfer to come in. e.g., if you spend $150 per day, consider setting a low balance alert if your account dips below $500.

Final thoughts

Spending alerts might seem like a small feature, but they can make a big difference, and that’s especially when you’re managing your finances in a new country. They help you stay on top of your money, avoid unwanted surprises, and build better habits without any extra effort.

The best part? They’re free, easy to use, and already available if you’re with Adro. Sign up with Adro and open a business or personal account today, so you can start getting real-time alerts that keep you one step ahead.